High-riding Holden Commodore Tourer set for 2018 launch

Available from next year, the high-riding Holden Commodore Tourer will come with a high-tech all-wheel drive system.

NEXT year's European-inspired Holden Commodore range will include an all-wheel drive high-riding wagon.

Following in the tyre prints first left by the old Holden Adventra in 2003, the new Commodore Tourer is has been labelled the love-child of Bear Grylls and James Bond by Holden.

With 20mm of extra ground clearance compared to a standard Commodore, it's designed with "rugged outdoor styling”.

The Tourer will be 110mm longer than the current Commodore, and 20mm longer than the latest Sportwagon. Interior functionality incorporates 40/20/40 split folding rear seats.

Drivetrain features will include torque vectoring that has two electrically controlled multi-plate clutches which enable transmission of power to each wheel. Various modes enable the drive to chance the performance characteristics of the car, most notably 'sports' provides more rewarding feedback for keen steerers.

It's a system similar to that employed by the Audi A4 Quattro Allroad wagon.

Full engine details are yet to be revealed, but three engine choices are expected to be available with the standard Commodore: a 230kW/370Nm V6, or petrol and diesel 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder options.

Available from next year, the high-riding Holden Commodore Tourer will come with a high-tech all-wheel drive system.

"The next-generation Commodore Tourer gives the range a new level of appeal, combining Australia's love for SUVs with the practicality of a wagon and the driving appeal of a sedan. Whether you're a weekend warrior, or just like the idea of being one, the Commodore Tourer gives our range a new dimension,” Holden's communications director Sean Poppitt said.

"Commodore Tourer comes with a high-tech AWD system and also lets customers select specific driving modes, giving them the flexibility to be able to get off the beaten track - whether that's finding secluded camp spots, quiet surf beaches or boutiques in Bondi.”

The original Holden Adventra was available between 2003-2006, which included a V8 engine and then later a V6, based on the VZ Commodore. Back in 2005 the range started from $40,990 for the SX6, while the top-shelf LX8 was $56,990.

This new model will have more European good looks courtesy of its design lines which hail from Opel's Monza concept.

"The Commodore Tourer body-style is designed for the self-aware buyer who appreciates the style, seating comfort and practicality of a sportwagon with a bit more capability,” said Holden's design director Richard Ferlazzo.

"The Europeans have always excelled at finding this balance of style and robustness and the Commodore Tourer is a great example.”

Among the features to be available in the new Commodore will be autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, speed limiter, lane departure warning and lane keep assist, forward collision alert, side blind-zone alert as well as rear cross-traffic alert.

Expect the availability of massage front seats on some models, as well as rear one-touch folding seats, heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, express up/down all windows, wagon power lift-gate and active noise cancellation for improved cabin serenity.